best efforts basis

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrasebusinesslegal

   used to describe an agreement in which someone promises to try hard to achieve a result but does not promise that the result will happen.

   Grammar: Usually comes after "on a": on a best efforts basis; it describes how a duty is measured, not a physical place.

   Patterns

   • on a best efforts basis
   • work on a best efforts basis
   • agree to do something on a best efforts basis

   The supplier agreed to deliver the parts on a best efforts basis, so it would not be punished if the shipment was late.

   Our contract says we will promote the product on a best efforts basis rather than guarantee a certain number of sales.

   Because the deal was made on a best efforts basis, the client accepted that the deadline might slip.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasebusinesslegal

   in a way that shows someone is trying as hard as they reasonably can, without a firm promise of success.

   Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase after a verb such as "act" or "perform": they acted on a best efforts basis.

   Patterns

   • act on a best efforts basis
   • perform on a best efforts basis

   The agent acted on a best efforts basis when looking for buyers for the house.

   She handled the negotiations on a best efforts basis, knowing she could not control the other side.

Common combinations

on a best efforts basis

The two firms signed the agreement on a best efforts basis.

best efforts obligation

A best efforts obligation is weaker than a promise to deliver a result.

use best efforts

The contract requires the distributor to use best efforts to sell the goods.

best efforts undertaking

The bank gave a best efforts undertaking to find investors.

reasonable efforts

Some contracts say reasonable efforts instead of best efforts.

Synonyms and how they differ

reasonable efforts

A softer standard often used in contracts; it asks for sensible attempts rather than the strongest possible ones.

good-faith efforts

Focuses on honesty and sincerity of intention rather than on how much energy was spent.

diligent efforts

Emphasizes steady, careful work and is sometimes treated as a slightly higher standard.

Opposites

Word family

best efforts phrase

The shorter form of the same idea, often used before a noun, as in a best efforts contract.

effort noun

The work or energy you put into trying to do something.

Commonly confused: best efforts basis or best endeavors? best efforts basis or guarantee?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “best efforts basis”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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